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Which are the top 10 Sustainable Cities in India and why?

By Ketul

Updated 06 March, 2025

10 min read

Which are the top 10 Sustainable Cities in India

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Smart Cities Mission

Smart Cities Mission was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 25 June, 2015. The main objective of the Mission is to promote cities that provide core infrastructure, clean and sustainable environment and give a decent quality of life to their citizens through the application of ‘smart solutions’.

Smart Cities Mission​

The Mission aims to drive economic growth and improve quality of life through comprehensive work on social, economic, physical and institutional pillars of the city. The focus is on sustainable and inclusive development by creation of replicable models which act as lighthouses to other aspiring cities. 100 cities have been selected to be developed as Smart Cities through a two-stage competition. The Central Government will give financial support to the extent of Rs. 48,000 crores over 5 years i.e. on an average Rs.100 crore per city per year.  An equal amount on a matching basis is to be provided by the State/ULB. Citizens’ aspirations were captured in the Smart City Proposals (SCPs) prepared by the selected cities. ClimateSMART Cities Assessment Framework was launched for the 100 Smart cities in order to incentivize a holistic, climate responsive development. To read more about it, click here. 

There is no standard definition or template of a smart city.  In the context of our country, the six fundamental principles on which the concept of Smart Cities is based are:

The Top 10 Green Cities of India today are:

1. Mysore, Karnataka

Mysore has emerged as a frontrunner in sustainability, adopting innovative measures to minimize its environmental impact. It is renowned for its lush greenery and cleanliness, rich heritage and cultural significance. Mysore has earned accolades from Swachh Bharat Urban as the greenest city in India. This well-planned city, the second-largest in Karnataka, is home to the famous Mysore Palace surrounded by beautiful gardens. The Brindavan Garden, with its vibrant colors and flowers, adds to Mysore’s reputation as a green paradise. Mysore is known for its green initiatives like tree-planting drives and green space development projects. In the recent past, 40,000 saplings were planted on Chamundi Hill. One of the most significant initiatives was the implementation of the Mysore City Corporation (MCC) Green City project, which resulted in a reduction of 50% in greenhouse gas emissions from the city’s transportation sector. To read more about this and other initiatives in Mysore, click here.

2. Bangalore, Karnataka

Bangalore, often called the “Garden City,” is not just a bustling IT hub but also a haven of greenery. Known as the “Silicon Valley of India,” Bangalore boasts the famous Lalbagh Botanical Garden and Cubbon Park, attracting numerous visitors each year. The city actively promotes eco-friendly initiatives, tree planting programs, and waste management efforts, maintaining its green charm despite its rapid urbanization.

3. Chandigarh

Chandigarh, the capital of Punjab and Haryana and a union territory, is often referred to as the “Green City” due to its beautiful parks and gardens. Competing with Mysore for the title of the greenest city in India, Chandigarh features clean surroundings with large green trees lining the roads. Attractions like Sukna Lake, Rock Garden, and Rose Garden showcase the city’s dedication to environmental preservation. 

  • Green coer: As of 2023, Chandigarh’s green cover was 50.05%, which is half of the city’s total area. 
  • Forest cover: In 2023, Chandigarh’s forest cover was 22.8 sq km. 
  • Tree cover: Chandigarh has the highest number of trees per hectare of non-forest area in India. 
  • Green belts: Chandigarh has green belts that run throughout the city, creating ecological niches.

4. Gandhinagar, Gujarat

Gandhinagar, the capital of Gujarat, is one of India’s best-planned cities. The government of Gujarat actively promotes tree planting and environmental awareness programs. With approximately 22 trees per person, Gandhinagar is enveloped in greenery, creating a peaceful blend of nature and modern living. Attractions like Sarita Udhyan and Indroda Nature Park highlight the city’s commitment to maintaining green spaces. Gandhinagar boasts extensive green belts, parks and water bodies. Gandhinagar’s emphasis on initiatives like rainwater harvesting, solar power installations, and energy-efficient buildings contribute to minimising the ecological footprint. The expansive solar park and iconic Akshardham Temple that is powered entirely by solar energy, highlight Gandhinagar’s commitment to renewable energy.

5. Indore, Madhya Pradesh

Indore, the largest and most populated city in Madhya Pradesh, has been recognized as the “cleanest city of India” in the Swachh Survekshan rankings for several years. Known for its well-maintained gardens and green spaces, Indore offers a perfect blend of cleanliness and nature. Popular spots like Lal Bagh Palace, Rajwada, and Sirpur Lake provide refreshing environments, while the city promotes effective waste management and cleanliness drives. Indore has emerged as a leader in urban cleanliness and sustainability. Smart City proposal for Indore includes Transport, Waste management, Health, Heritage, Infrastructure and IT.

6. Diu

Diu, a small coastal town and one of India’s Smart Cities, became the first in the country to run entirely on renewable energy during the daytime. Generating 1.3 MW annually through solar energy, Diu has made significant strides in sustainability. Diu is known for its clean streets and effective waste management practices, contributing to its status as one of the greenest cities in India. Diu is celebrated for its natural beauty and green initiatives. With attractions like Jallandhar Shrine and Naida Caves surrounded by lush greenery, Diu exemplifies the harmony between sustainable living and natural splendor.

7. Jamshedpur, Jharkhand

Often celebrated for its industrial prowess, Jamshedpur has also distinguished itself with its green initiatives. The city has implemented comprehensive waste management systems and extensive green spaces. Known as the “Steel City of India,” Jamshedpur is also a green haven. With 33% of its land covered by green spaces, the city benefits from the vision of its founder, Jamsetji Tata, who promoted extensive tree planting. Jamshedpur features multiple parks, gardens, and playgrounds, including the famous Jubilee Park. The Tata Steel Zoological Park further illustrates the city’s balance between industrial development and environmental preservation.

8. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh and the “Queen of Hills,” is a top tourist destination in India, renowned for its natural beauty. Surrounded by greenery and mountains, Shimla offers well-maintained parks and gardens. Tourist spots like Jakhoo Temple and Mall Road are framed by verdant landscapes. Recently, Shimla became part of the “Green Growth Cities” initiative, highlighting its commitment to preserving natural beauty. Shimla stands out for its picturesque natural beauty and green initiatives. The city’s efforts to preserve its green cover include tree-planting programs and effective waste management.

9. Guwahati, Assam

Guwahati, the gateway to Northeast India, is a vibrant city celebrated for its greenery. By preserving natural forests, Guwahati maintains its lush environment. Popular green spaces like Nehru Park and Dighalipukhuri are cherished by residents and visitors for their serene settings amidst the city’s vibrant life. Guwahati has made its name in enhancing its green infrastructure. The city’s efforts in tree plantation, waste management and green space development contribute to its reputation as a green city. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma aims to transform Guwahati into India’s first city entirely powered by a green public transportation system by 2025.

10. Pune, Maharashtra

Pune, known as the “Oxford of the East” due to its numerous educational institutions, is also recognized for its lush green surroundings. With its pleasant climate and verdant landscapes, Pune offers a variety of parks, gardens, and tree-lined streets. The city actively promotes eco-friendly initiatives like tree plantation drives and waste management programs. Popular green spaces such as Empress Garden and Saras Baug provide tranquil retreats, making Pune a model of environmental consciousness in urban India. Pune has been awarded the Sustainable Transport Award 2020, making it the second Indian city to receive this award. It has implemented innovative sustainable transportation projects to improve mobility, reduce air pollution and greenhouse emissions, and advance safety and access for pedestrians and cyclists.

CITIIS

CITIIS, or City Investments to Innovate, Integrate and Sustain, is a sub-component of the Government of India’s Smart Cities Mission.

CITIIS 1.0 is a joint program of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Agence Francaise de Development (AFD), the European Union (EU), and the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA). It aims to enhance sustainability, inclusion and liveability in cities across India through innovation-driven urban infrastructure projects, capacity building, and knowledge dissemination.

CITIIS

Some interesting projects under CITIIS:

Agartala gets a refreshed riverfront:

The capital city of the north-eastern Indian state of Tripura, Agartala sits along the Howrah River. The project called Agartala Smart City Limited (ASCL) is looking to reshape the riverfront – as well as the identity – of the city. It seeks to not only strengthen the embankments and build a responsible waste management system, but also sustain the biodiversity fostered by the river and build organic gardens. These gardens will further generate employment for the locals, especially women while preserving the area’s natural environment.

Bhubaneshwar reimagines public places:

Bhubaneshwar is the capital of the eastern state of Odisha and an important cultural centre in the region. The B-Active project designed by the Bhubaneshwar Smart City Limited (BSCL) aims to reinvent the city’s open spaces and find solutions to a number of other urban issues. BSCL’s initiatives are based on developing the city’s key assets, namely streets, parks and playgrounds, waterways and heritage areas. Besides empowering citizens to manage open spaces, these measures will also prioritize active recreation and organized sports as well as public health.

Surat, from wastelands to biodiversity hubs:

The historical port city of Surat lies in the western state of Gujarat. In order to increase Surat’s green cover and usable open spaces, the Surat Smart City Development Limited (SSCDL) proposed the winning idea of turning the city’s wastelands into an attractive biodiversity park. Not only will this clean up swathes of open spaces and turn them into flora and fauna habitats, but it will also provide a location for a public park. Moreover, the project will create and connect ponds, and help in the regulation and retention of rainwater.

Conclusion

These top 10 green cities of India in 2025 showcase the country’s commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation. Each city, with its unique initiatives and programs, contributes to a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable future. As these cities continue to innovate and implement eco-friendly practices, they set an example for others to follow, ensuring a healthier planet for future generations.

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